Haiti is facing a humanitarian crisis like never before. Nearly half of the population – 5.2 million people – need humanitarian aid and protection, with two out of five people going hungry every day. The crises that have deepened over the years – political instability, violence, economic and climate shocks, hunger and poverty – have taken a disproportionate and unacceptable toll on women and girls.

The country has seen a surge in gang violence, with sexual and gender-based violence reaching alarming levels. The insecurity has sparked massive displacement, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Further, a resurgence of cholera has come at a time when many Haitians lack access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, threatening the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Amid these crises, thousands of women and girls have fled their homes and are now living in makeshift shelters without access to basic services, vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and girls have been left struggling to access services that are critical to their health, well-being and survival as Haiti’s health care system teeters on the brink of collapse. Hospitals and facilities have neither the capacity nor supplies to treat patients, and health personnel are leaving in droves. 

Despite the soaring needs, funding for protection services for women and girls is woefully inadequate – less than 2 percent of the total budget required for gender-based violence prevention and response under the Humanitarian Response Plan 2023.

As security permits, UNFPA is working with local partners to provide life-saving reproductive health and protection services to women and in girls through mobile clinics, women and girls’ safe spaces, community medical agents and outreach teams, and midwives. This includes psychosocial support and referrals for survivors of gender-based violence. Healthcare capacity is also being strengthened, including for the clinical management of rape, and medicines and equipment have been  distributed to facilities in the capital.

In 2023, UNFPA is appealing for $9,750,000 to ensure that women and girls and survivors of violence can access the reproductive health and protection support they need.

Updated on 08 August 2023